The State of the Union

Posted: Wed 2:09 PM, Feb 01, 2006&nbsp|&nbsp

Updated: Wed 2:09 PM, Feb 01, 2006

The president was calling for the nation to overcome what he calls America's addiction to oil and calling for a long-term commitment to overcome tyranny and terrorism. The line from Democrats: “we can do better.”

Facing sagging poll numbers, President Bush tried to ease America's concerns in his State of the Union Address. He didn't introduce any new policies. Instead, he focused on one big theme.

President Bush said, "The only way to control our destiny is by our leadership."

At the top of the agenda: the war in Iraq. The president stood firm, promising to stay the course.

President Bush said, "We must keep our word, defeat our enemies, and stand behind the American military in its vital mission."

He confronted his critics who claim the domestic spying program is illegal and an abuse of power.

President Bush said, "This terrorist surveillance program has helped prevent terrorist attacks. It remains essential to the security of America."

And he's calling for more research on alternative energy sources.

President Bush said, "America is addicted to oil. The best way to break this addiction is through technology."

The president also wants to control the spiraling cost of healthcare and train 70,000 new math and science teachers. The Democratic response addressed the same big issues. Virginia's new governor, Tim Kaine, issued his party's call for change.

Gov. Tim Kaine, (D) Virginia, said, "The federal government should serve the American people, but that mission is frustrated by this administration's poor choices and bad management."

Both speeches set the stage for the mid-term elections that are just around the corner. Those mid-term elections could shift the balance of power on Capitol Hill. Every seat in the House and a third of the Senate seats are up for grabs this fall.

Online Public Information File

Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or fccinfo@fcc.gov.